Plans for a £25,000 bandstand in Wallington have been met with opposition from a community group who look after the proposed site.

The 10 ft wide by 12 ft high structure, that would be used as a performance space, would be built in Wallington Library Gardens, but in a time of austerity the plans have been dubbed a waste of£25,000 of taxpayer's money by the Friends of Wallington Library. 

Amanda Hill, chairwoman of the group that looks after the interests of the library, said: "We just don't think it is needed. The advocates say schools would come there and perform there, but I don't think that would be very often.  I just can't see the demand for it, especially when it costs more than £20,000."

Advocates of the Sutton Council proposals say it will create a great performance space.

Catherine Boxall, from Sutton Music Service, which holds concerts for young people throughout the year, wrote to the council in favour of the plans.

She said: "This will be a great venue for young people to perform.  We have seven ensembles of young musicians who perform several times a year and who practice all year round. This will give them a different kind of platform.

But the Friends of Wallington Library also wrote to council to voice its concerns, saying it believed the bandstand "would be out of keeping with the character of the garden" and that

"The limited area available would be unsuitable for gatherings of any numbers."

The planning application was recommended for approval by officers and the final decision was due to be made at Sutton Council's Development Control Committee last night (January 9).

A council spokesman said: “We understand that there are differing opinions on the bandstand.

However, we will now begin the process of selecting an appropriate design and hope to create a facility to be enjoyed by all music lovers and performers.”